Our Microderm MD review : the cons and the pros to know

It doesn’t matter what season it is or what your style is, everyone wants to have heathy skin with a glowing and flawless complexion.

For those of us that don’t want to use harsh chemicals or unnatural products, it can be a little difficult to use something that doesn’t involve chemicals, injectables, or even surgery. However, there are options that are far more natural, such as microdermabrasion.

This is one of the premium options for most people because it can erase your acne scars, plump up your skin, and even promote collagen production – all to make you look that much better and natural.

Now, you might be thinking that microdermabrasion is a great option, but you aren’t all that interested in going to the dermatologist’s office to get it done.

Thanks to technology, you don’t have to – you don’t even need to be a trained aesthetician! Instead, there are now at-home microdermabrasion machines that have started to pop up all over the industry – saving you time and money!

Still, it has only been the most recent improvements to microdermabrasion technology that have made those machines for home use truly great and comparable to the spa machines.

We looked through about 30 different home microdermabrasion machines and short-listed 10 of those that we thought would be worth a second look, finally deciding on 5 to test to find the best microdermabrasion machines of our TOP 3.

Some of them were great and delivered like they promised, and others reminded us of children’s toys.

What is it ?

This is a medical grade, at-home microdermabrasion system that is very, very comparable to the professional treatments that you may be used to – however, you can do it all in the comfort of your home. If you’ve heard of microdermabrasion and at-home techniques, this is most likely the system you‘ve heard about.

Now, if you’ve experimented with any of the older machines, you may have been turned off because of the messy crystals and lotions. However, MicrodermMD does not use anything like that, instead they use a professional grade diamond tip with powerful suction. Together, these two functions slough off the top layers of your skin to allow for better product penetration and younger, healthier skin.

Not only are they cleaner and easier, diamond tip machines are also safer and more effective than the crystal machines – which is why all of our top machines fall into that category.

If you are looking for a microdermabrasion machine, diamond tip should be your first choice as well.

How does it really work?

This machine takes off the top layer of your skin using tiny dots or diamond fragments (usually synthetic on the more economical machines), revealing healthier skin below while sucking up that dead skin so that it cannot re-enter any of your pores, which would clog them again.

The sucking also has another function: it pulls the skin taut so that the diamonds can fully slough off that whole top layer, not missing any skin or creating uneven layers.

What is coming off of your face is what causes the signs of aging: wrinkles, sun spots, scars, dark marks, and many other types of problems. Buffing off the older cells also stimulate collagen production and make your skin work to look younger.

You can improve many other issues including:

Acne marks and scarring

Large and clogged pores

Blemishes and spots

Wrinkles

Fine Lines

Uneven skin tones (hyperpigmentation)

Coarse skin

Dry skin

Saggy skin

Why does microdermabrasion increase your return on investment on cosmetics?

By revealing a new layer of skin, your products will better permeate the skin and therefore be more effective. You want your products to reach the deeper layers because that is where they are intended to work.

In fact, if you don’t do any microdermabrasion before applying that $80 a pop facial lotion, roughly only 50% of it would actually reach the layer it needs to – if you apply if after using a microdermabrasion wand, you will have nearly 80% absorption by the dermis layer.

If you’re spending all of that money on facial creams, serums, and gels, don’t you want them to actually do their job?

What comes with the Microderm MD Microdermabrasion Machine?

This machine comes with a few different accessories and tools to make your experience successful:

Who is the manufacturer/ distributor?

The distributor is trophy skin that is very famous within the beauty industry, having won many awards. They specialize in newer technologies and devices, and have pushed the industry to grow and become better with the products they are releasing.

On top of that, they are among the best at marketing, and they do know how to sell their products…

Our Microderm MD review

As this unit is among the most famous machines, we figured it would be one of the best to test to see how it truly works. We were expecting to be amazed by the result and the feeling of our skin.

First impression

The first thing that we noticed was that the packaging was classic and well put together, hopefully reflecting the quality of what was inside.

The dimensions are about 12 inches wide and 8 inches long.

It is made of hard, white plastic that is sturdy and doesn’t warp or bend the way that Nubrilliance does, but it doesn’t seem as solid as the Kendal or the New Spa machines.

It also has an LCD screen, which will be a big help for those who have never tried it before. And there is also the nice touch of a built in mirror that will allow for treatment while you are travelling. Speaking of travelling, it is great for storage in a suitcase or carry on because it is only 4 inches tall when closed – and it’s very light!

What about the accessories

The accessories are similarly well-constructed and seem to be top quality. You have the white silicone hose (5 feet long) to which you will connect the included diamond tip. (already connected when you get the machine).

However, one downside of this machine is that there is only one tip for both your face and your body.

Included in your pack, you will also find 100 filters. As microdermabrasion sloughs off your skin and then sucks the dead cells back into the machine, they will need to go somewhere so that they don’t clog up the wand or vacuum. The filters catch all of it so that you don’t have clogging or bacteria that could render the machine ineffective.

You will have to place one filter between the diamond tip and the silicone hose. You will need to replace it by a new one every session.

The other brands usually have 2 filters to use, here there is only one size

A cleaning brush also helps to remove some of that gunk and bacteria, specifically on the tip.

You also get the blackhead extraction tip (which is different from the diamond tip), and an infusion tip (to help with the application of creams and serums). We will discuss about them below in the tools section.

Ok we have covered the accessories and what they are supposed to do.

When looking at the machine, we broke it down into these criteria.

Suction power

Probably the most important thing that any microdermabrasion machine must have is enough suction power. You need to suck up all of that dead skin once it gets exfoliated off of your face – or the benefit won’t outweigh the breakouts and clogged pores. The professional machines have a higher suction power than the at-home machines, about 28inches/Hg in comparison to the at home 16 inches/Hg. The higher the suction the better, but that also means you can do more damage.

This unit has 8 different preset levels of suction that you can use with a max level of 22 inches/Hg, which is way higher than most average home use machines and which explains the reason of its success. Small size and high power…:) size does not always matters 🙂

Diamond tip quality

Their marketing team claims their diamond tips are better than their competitors because they provide genuine natural diamond tips that last much longer than synthetic diamond tips.

We checked this fact with the other machine companies (Kendal and New Spa) and every one clearly confirmed that their diamond tips had synthetic diamonds, but they all told us their tips would not be any less effective on our skin.

The only thing that they admitted (we had to push them a little to know the truth) is that if their tips would touch a hard surface, like bouncing off a metallic surface, the synthetic diamond coating would be damaged, whereas a more genuine natural diamond coating would be a bit more resistant.

So yes, their diamond tip is better quality than Kendal or New spa diamond tip and it would be noteworthy if you had to exfoliate a metallic skin but for our human skin, there won’t be any difference. And indeed we did not find any difference regarding the exfoliation results…

So when they say, “our tips will last longer”, it is true in a certain way, if people are not very careful with their diamond tips.

If you take care of your tips, avoid any brutal contact with any hard surface, MicrodermMD tip is not better in terms of exfoliation.

But if you are pretty clumsy (I know a lot of people in that case) Microderm would be a good solution for you.

This is also why their tip pricing is so high, Microderm diamond tip sells at 35 dollars each….. whereas you can buy a full package of 9 “synthetic” diamonds tips with 60-90 dollars…. I let you do the math… (I prefer to save money to buy genuine diamonds for my ears or my finger… subtle message for my boyfriend who will read my article ;))

Tools

If you have already browsed our reviews of the Kendal and the New Spa machines, you might have noticed that the Microderm package is a little scant in comparison – which is kind of a letdown.

This pack only has one diamond tip that has medium coarseness, while the competitors have 8 or 9 tips that all come with different sizes and exfoliation levels. Now, we tend to think that 9 tips might be a bit of an overkill, because you really only need 2 or 3, but that allows for some choice or sharing of your machine.

The others give you a more personalized feel, whereas you need to go with what you get here.

If you need a specific diamond tip for your body, it is possible; you need to buy it (35 dollars)

If you have sensitive skin and needs a finer diamond tip, you need to buy it (35 dollars)

If you need a tip for hard to reach areas (nose, angular areas, you need to buy it (35 dollars)

At $35 a pop, it adds up. With the other packages, you get them all included.

However, what those other packs don’t include that the this unit does include are the blackhead extraction tip and the infusion tip.

The blackhead extraction tip helps take the gunk out of your pores. However, the diamond tips themselves are all pore extraction tips of sorts, so it is a bit of a repeat that you don’t really use. In fact, I think this was just a cheap way to bulk up the offer for marketing.

The infusion tip: I think this tip stands in direct contrast with the extraction tip: this one is interesting. It helps increase the penetration of any products you would use on your face. Yes, MicroDerm can push skin care products further beneath the skin.

It enables to speed up the penetration process so you kinda can reduce the time of your beauty session… it is useful for example if you like to layer multiple products (like me) so you don’t need to wait too long between each layer (toner, then serum, then moisturiser etc… ) however, it is a bit tricky because, if the borders of the tip touches your skin, it can create some serum/ moisturizer rolls up…

Do we find these 2 tips exceptional ? well not really, they are nice additions, especially the infusion tip ( even though one of our testers find it not convenient) but don’t base your buying decision on these 2 tips. I mean if you choose this unit only for these 2 tips, sorry to tell you they are not worth it….

The cleaning brush that they include is good for keeping the tips clean and free of acne causing bacteria, but it is simple and they could have swapped it out for another tip. You can find cleaning brush everywhere…

Finally, the filters that you will use to catch all of that gross stuff that comes out of your skin are also included when you purchase your machine. Like most other machines, you will get 100 filters when you buy it, so that should keep you in stock for at least 100 sessions.

Results

If you know anything about the industry, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this machine really does work well and provide results.

It is as good at exfoliation as the Kendal and New Spa machines. In fact, we got really impressive results that are very close to those with professional aestheticians. Fine lines and acne scars really fade over time after 3-4 sessions, and we felt our skin was firmer because we stiulated our skin to produce more collagen…anyway, we already knew the power of microdermabrasion, and we were already in live with it, but we were not sure if this unit would deliver as everyone

The immediate results you will notice are : your skin will be soft, smooth, and clear when you are done.

Of course, expect impressive results only after a cycle of 10 sessions just like normal microdermabrasion.

Just keep it to a low intensity when you are first starting out so that you don’t get irritated and move up when you are more confident. With either one of our top 3 machines, we are pretty sure you will be happy with the results in the long run.

Ease to use

Where Microderm really shines is in its ease of use in comparison to the others we have talked about.

There are two different modes: manual mode and automatic mode.

In manual mode, you are able to control the timing with a simple on/off button. It will go for as long as you want it to – much like with other machines.

However, the automatic mode is unique to the MicrodermMD system. You can use this mode to guide you through the process, using specific suction and power levels for each parts of your face.

How does the automatic mode work? There is an LCD screen that will show you, if you select the automatic mode, where to move the diamond tip. Just like an electronic toothbrush that tells you when to move your brush to different parts of your mouth, this device tells you when it is time to move onto different parts of your face, by showing you with the LCD screen., all while timing each section for one minute.

There are some Korean words but you don’t really need to know what they mean. It simply says eyes, chin etc… just follow the arrows on the face example.

This mode is clearly one strong point worth mentioning for newbies.

Because most people who buy other machines complain there are no clear instructions, they don’t know where to start; these people usually need more guidance, so Microderm Md would be a better fit because this unit is more user friendly than the Kendal unit or New spa unit.

Yet, Keep in mind many people usually use the automode once or twice and stick then to the manual mode….

Robustness and longevity

This machine is pretty robust, but clearly doesn’t feel as solid as our 2 other favourite machines: Kendal and new spa.

Regarding longevity, we don’t have enough information to answer, give us one or 2 years 🙂

But from the many comments and Microderm MD reviews we found, we think it is a reliable machine that should last for years…. Anyway, with this machine, you have some sort of protection because you have a really sweet warranty.

Warranty

Another big plus for this device: it has a 3 year warranty, which is the longest of any home microdermabrasion machine on the market! You can definitely be sure you are covered… Yet, we contacted a few people who bought the other machines, and we did not find any who had technical issues after the first year of warranty. Probably because the units are pretty simple without any electrical fancy stuff that increase the risk of breaking out…. (I like to think the more simple, the more lasting)

Support

Ok another big plus of this device :they do have an excellent customer care, I would say on the same level as New spa and definitely better than Kendal’s.

Clearly you have someone speaking English answering you and taking the time to check and fix your problem, that is customer care at its best. Same for new spa.

We contacted several times ( and I mean many times) the Microderm company who quickly replied and answered any queries we had. That is also maybe the reason why this device is a lot more expensive…. you need to “pay” for the customer care in a way.

Price

This machine is clearly more expensive than most other machines in the same category.

It is less powerful (22 inch/Hg compared to 27 inch/Hg for Kendal), includes only one diamond tip, and is more expensive than units that are more powerful and propose much more accessories…

If you need to buy an additional tip for the body, or for sensitive skin or for hard to reach areas, you need to pay 35 dollars per tip, which is a bit expensive. Even if they are made with a genuine diamond coating, which make them more solid in case of any shock, that is expensive. Frankly I don’t know if they are really worth it.

You will also have to buy some filters once the initial pack is used: 100 filters for 15 dollars (as a side note: for Kendal, it is 60 filters for 5 dollars…)… (Needless to say Microderm MD only uses these 15 dollar specific filters…) so in the long run, Microderm treatment cost is much higher than with any other units like Kendal or New spa.

So not only is it more expensive to buy, it is also more expensive to keep running.

But let’s keep in mind the auto mode, the great customer care and the 3 year warranty in the equation…

To sum it up

Pros

3-year warranty

Excellent customer care

LCD screen and automatic mode well suited for any newbie.

Great for travelling with its compact size

Infusion tip accessory for better and quicker penetration of cosmetics

Cons

Not the most powerful unit (22in/Hg vs 27 in/Hg)

More expensive than other types ($300)

More expensive to operate and replace parts (filters)

Only one diamond tip vs 9 diamond tips with the other units

Our verdict

It is really an effective home microdermabrasion machine that can “transform” your skin by revealing a fresher and younger skin. Yet, It is not the most powerful machine but its suction power is among the highest ones in the home use unit category.

You will also get guidance from the LCD screen with the automode, which is a great way to learn how to use the product for any newbie.

Of course, we would have prefered a better price for the machine itself and better prices for all the accessories… let alone the same package of 9 diamond tips included with the other devices.

But the higher price tag could be attributed to the things that really sold this to us: the customer service and the 3-year warranty. Both are exceptional for the industry and make this machine much more attractive. We know that these 2 things are clearly a real decision maker for many of you.

So, if you are a newbie to microdermabrasion and have a little extra cash to spend, definitely consider the trophy skin Microderm MD. If you aren’t a newbie or you don’t have as much cash to spend, then you will want to weigh your options with the others.

Where to buy to get the best deal

We usually recommend amazon, as you can notice on most our reviews but for some specific cases like this one, there are better alternatives.

After some research, we found out that it was best to buy it from Trophy skin, the official distributor, as you are certain to get the 3 year – warranty. Besides, they are the official distributor, so it is another positive element to be sure to get a genuine device and not a fake one :

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